Considering Ruger 50th Anniversary Blackhawk

[calidefector]

I'm considering a Ruger 50th Anniversary Blackhawk in .357. I've found one in great condition (pretty dusty) and the fellow is asking $550. Overheard that he wouldn't take $500 for it. Read some magazine reviews on it and it seems to be up the alley in what I want in a revolver.

Do any of you have one of these that you are pleased/displease with? Is $550 too much for this revolver, considering it includes box and all paperwork.

Thanks!

[TheBundo]

Has it been shot?

[bwiese]

Got mine right after 2005 SHOT Show after I'd handled it. Paid $570ish + fees at Reed's because I was hot & bothered.

I own one. I love it. I probably should get another, and maybe even the 50th Anniv 44Mag as well.

You might also want to check for the classifieds on the Ruger Forum as well.

The 50th Anniv. 357s are around on GunBroker; Ruger made a reasonable number of them. You might find a better deal, perhaps - not sure once postage/shipping, etc. is factored in though.

I believe Ruger still sells 'em now, but only in pairs with the 50th Anniv. 44 Mag (which came out a year or so later).

The 50th 357's frame design/size went back to the first early "flattops" of Ruger in the 1950s, and is built on a smaller frame (similar to what the New Vaquero has) when compared to the usual Blackhawks and and Vaqueros you see in gunshops.

Thus the gun is roughly the same form factor as a Colt SAA.

Ruger seems to use similar bbl dimensions for bigger (44/45) and smaller (38/357) calibers - thus the bbl is just a tad heavier than one might expect, but when firing hot 357 loads it becomes useful. Nevertheless the overall balance and handling ability is GRRRREAT.

Grips are old-style black material with red Ruger logo. Sights are adjustable.

Importantly, the cylinder pawl system has been revised and offers a new indexing method: the chamber is locked in place in proper position when the loading gate is opened. It can spin both directions (IIRC), too, to other latched indexed positions (and is not just a loose spin withotu indexing). Much easier to load than other New Model Rugers. It does have some gold trim text on the bbl "50th Anniversary etc etc". along with the usual Ruger Encyclopedia announcement emblazoned on the side of the bbl "Don't shoot your foot off, read the instructions, etc."

Trigger's great, and it's an accurate gun. Zero regrets.

If you were down here I'd invite you to the range to shoot it.

[calidefector]

Has it been shot?

I assume it has. It does appear like new under the lint/dust though. It's in a crusty little shop (think dingy, dirty, pawnshop,) and it's possible that the dust, etc. is from there.

I like the gun, but I don't like the shop it is on consignment in, and I guess if it sounds overpriced, I wouldn't feel bad not purchasing it.

The dude who owns the place really flubbed a DROS for a gun I started on the 23rd. Says he couldn't actually do the DROS until the 27th ("due to the DOJ changing something" says he), then told me pickup wasn't until the 10th of Feb., and when pressed said I could pick it up on the 7th as I had to wait "11" days. I think he actually didn't do the DROS until the 28th, when I went back in for something else and inquired (as I did think it was strange as most gun dealers tend to run me right when I purchase... not just have me fill out the paperwork and copy my stuff.) But I digress, although it felt good to vent a little.

[calidefector]

Got mine right after 2005 SHOT Show after I'd handled it. Paid $570ish + fees at Reed's because I was hot & bothered.

I own one. I love it. I probably should get another, and maybe even the 50th Anniv 44Mag as well.

You might also want to check for the classifieds on the Ruger Forum as well.

The 50th Anniv. 357s are around on GunBroker; Ruger made a reasonable number of them. You might find a better deal, perhaps - not sure once postage/shipping, etc. is factored in though.

Owning one and wanting another is a great endorsement. I may try sourcing it through other channels as you mentioned. I really like the feel, and it does have that classic "cowboy" appeal to it (at least to my eyes). My wife has a revolver, and I got revolver envy

Thanks much for the great info!

[jazman]

Ruger single actions are excellent guns, you would really like it. That price sounds high to me, definitely check the classifieds on the Ruger Forum, and gunbroker.com. If you get one, check out the grips Cary Chapman makes down in SoCal, CLC is his company name. Things of beauty.